norml11 - Page 28
Page 28
Previous ,
Next ,
Original Image
Return to Index
two surveys were conducted by professional po_]i_ 9 compaMes. The Detroit Free
Press conducted a telephone po_]_n _hich 85.4% of those responding favored
access to-marijuana-by prescript_ono I_ the State of Washington the State
_edical Association conducted a-po_1 i_ _hich 80% of the doctors belonging to
o-
the Association favoced controlled avai}ability of marijuana formedical
purposes.
Oiscuss_on
From the foregoing uncontroverted facts it is clea, r beyond any question
that many peop}e find marijuana to have, _ the words of the Act', an _accepted
medical use in treatment in the United S_ate_" _n effecting relief for cancer
patients. Oncologists_ physicians treating cancer patients, accept this. Other
med_ca_ practiCioners and researchers accept this_ Medical faculty professors
accept it. Nurses performing hands-on patient care accept _to
Patients ac#ept it. As counsel for CCA perceptively pointed out at oral
argument, acceptance'by the patient _s of vital importance. Doctors accept a
therapeutic agent or process only if it _works" for the patient. If the patient
does not accept, the doctor cannot admin#ster the treatment. The patient's
informed consent is vital. The doctor ascertains the patient's acceptance by
observing and listening to the pat#ent. Acceptamce by the doctor depends on
what ha sees in the patient and hears from the patient. Unquestionably,
patients to large numbers have accepted marijuana as useful in treating their
emesis. The have found that _t _works _. Doctors, evaluating their patients,
can have no basis more. sound than that for their own acceptance.
Of relevance, also, is the acceptance of marijuana by state attorneys_
- 26
Previous ,
Next ,
Return to Index